

This means it can get quite crowded, especially during the busy summer months. Tamanawas Falls is one of the best hikes in the Gorge for families, since there’s only 560 feet of elevation gain on the well-marked 3.4 mile out and back trail. Vehicles must display a Northwest Forest Pass, or pay a $5 day use fee. Keep in mind there’s no cell phone reception in this area, so if you’re meeting someone be sure to coordinate everything before heading out. You’ll see a pull out around a bend on the side of the road, and there are usually at least a few cars parked there so it’s relatively easy to spot. The parking lot to start the Tamanawas Falls hike is along Highway 35, about a 30 minute drive south of Hood River just past the Pollallie trailhead.
OREGON WATERFALL HIKES HOW TO
How to get to the Tamanawas Falls trailhead How to get to the Tamanawas Falls trailhead.It doesn’t matter which direction you hike this loop.Plan to hike mid-week in the morning to avoid the crowds.They are also incredibly scenic in the autumn when the fall foliage is at its finest. The falls are at their fullest in late spring and early summer, so plan a visit during these months if possible.If you want to get close to the falls, a rain jacket is also recommended.Waterproof shoes are a good idea! At least wear something with traction and shoes you don’t mind getting wet if you want to get up close.RELATED: 29 Stunning Oregon Waterfall Hikes These incredible views at Upper Proxy Falls There’s no true trail and you’ll need to scramble over some slippery logs to get really close! If you don’t want to get too close, there are still nice views from the main trail. It is a bit of a sketchy climb the closer you get to the falls. Mind your footing on the slippery trailīack at Upper Proxy Falls, the views of this massive waterfall cascading down the mossy basalt rock slab are impressive, so take your time at the bottom, soaking it all in. Due to the proximity of the falls, it’s also usually slippery, so waterproof shoes and rain jackets are highly recommended. The path to Lower Proxy Falls is quite steep, so take your time as you meander down the eroded slope. Both vantage points are worth checking out, so don’t hesitate to take these short detours.

The fork in the road will lead you to Lower Proxy Falls or along the main trail towards Upper Proxy Falls. Lower Proxy FallsĮventually, the trail splits. After a while, the rocky terrain gives way to a lush, moss-covered forest. The first section of the trail runs through an ancient lava field, so you’ll be trekking with hardened lava flow.

The trail begins at the southwest corner of the parking lot. Pass: $5.00 day-use fee or annual Northwest Forest Pass The parking lot is very big, and it fills up quickly-so plan to arrive early in the morning to secure your spot. There are restrooms located across the street from the trailhead. Of course, you could always hike in from the highway if you don’t mind adding about 5 miles to your trip. While this trail is technically available year-round, the road to the trailhead is often closed in the winter, depending on snowfall. The trailhead is located off of Mackenzie Highway (OR 242).

This short hike usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete, and hikers of all skill levels will find the route manageable. Proxy Falls Loop Trail is the perfect hike for getting incredible scenery without tons of effort or mileage. Keep reading to discover everything you’ll need to know about hiking Proxy Falls Trail. Instead, the falls sink through the porous lava rocks below and into the ground. It is unique because there is no pool of water at the bottom. However, Proxy Falls isn’t just any ordinary waterfall. The sheer beauty of the falls entices large swaths of visitors, and the short hike on the way to the falls is also laden with scenic views. Tucked away in the Three Sisters Wilderness of the Willamette National Forest, Proxy Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon.
